There's no doubt in FEU coach Olsen Racela's mind that defending champion Ateneo is the best team now in the UAAP.
During the press launch on Monday, Racela said the Blue Eagles even have a chance of sweeping the elimination round of the tournament which starts this Saturday.
"Everyone has a fair chance (to make the final four), but the best chance, of course, is Ateneo. I think I'll be surprised if they lose a game in the eliminations. After them, it's a fair fight," said the PBA legend.
New University of the East head coach Joe Silva shared the same sentiments: "I agree with Coach Olsen."
Save for the departure of Chibueze Ikeh and Vince Tolentino, the Blue Eagles are parading an intact lineup reinforced by Filoil MVP Angelo Kouame, SJ Belangel, Matthew Daves, and William Navarro.
Ateneo also did a splendid job during the offseason, emerging as Filoil champions and winding up fourth in the 2018 William Jones Cup in Taiwan.
Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin, though, said there are no guarantees for them, adding they are taking it one game at a time.
"For our team, this is about what we talk about all the time -- respect the game, respect the opponents. God willing we stay healthy and continue to work hard," he said.